We see so many children and young people these days who lack confidence and self belief. Confidence in themselves, in their ability to achieve, to try something new, simply to believe that they can.

So they dont. Dont, Try, Ask, Do, Dare, Aspire, Achieve or Grow. They simply accept that they cannot be anything else .

There are many reasons and factors that influence this lack of confidence and self esteem.  For example   intimdation from others who are loud and forceful. In addition to beliefs and opinons of others, social , ecomonic and environmental factors.

Parents often both work these days and there is limited or no time for the real attention that children need. This is often an unconcious result of being caught up in the fast pace and urgency of a work life.  Children may be told ” You will never be able to do that ‘ . When all they need to hear is ” Ok lets give it go and find out how we can “.

Our children today are likely to spend more time indoors for saftey reasons or electronic digital distractions. Play stations and X Boxes. They then connect with a virtual online community and loose the skills and confidence of face to face communcations and relationship building. They dont play outside so much and again dont develop their understanding and confidence with the outside world. Some just dont grow up and lack the ability to make friends and confidence in themsleves. If they do got out to play, oh here we go they become a nucience , pests, trouble makers, and up to no good, and are then banned from going out or phrohibited from playing. Children are even prohibited from playing the games that a generation of only 20 years ago did, because of wait for it ………. Health & saftey !!!!  Crazy world.

In schools these days children are tested at primary school age, added pressure of competition and comparrison with others. We all know that children develop at different rates however these tests at such a young age tell the late developers that they are not good enough, behind and hinders their progress through low self esteem and confidence. They grow up believing they are not clever enough and cant do simply from a school testing process that has nothing to do with child progession but all to do with the Schools ranking and performance criteria. I hear children say ” I cant do that because I am thick ” ” Theres no point in my trying as I am not clever enough ”

No wonder they lack confidence.

They are all capable and able if only they are encouraged , supported and motivated in the correct way. If they never have the belief then they wont succed.

Children are allowed to fail, give up at the first fall because we dont what them to be upset or suffer failure. When by letting the give up so soon we are actually preparing them and setting them up to fail again and again and again. All they need is the encouragement and support to get up , try again, stay focused, be persistance and dont give up.

” Each time you fall down get back up because thats how you win ”

Karate training has a massive impact on building the confidence of individuals. In giving children and young people the belief in themselves , showing them how to stay focused, committed, and resiliant. How to overcome their fears and worries, and that a failed attempt is simply a method of learning and not the end. They are led by people , Sensei who themselves have followed this path of growth and know what it is like to have to overcome obstabcles and barriers to achieve themselves. As that is the translation of Sensei ” One who has been before ”

In showing children that they can if they simply, TRY and then DO, to ASK if they dont  understand, to DARE step outside their comfort zones, ASPIRE to achieve their goals, to make ACHIEVEMENTS they will GROW in CHARACTER & CONFIDENCEas a result. This becomes a self driven pathway to success.

So when a student says ” I CAN’T  ”

We say ” Now  add a R and Y to the T and what does it say now ? ”

I CAN TRY

And thats all we need to do, and exactlty what we do in the Samurai Dojo.

If you want to know more about building your childs confidence then contact us on the link below

KARATE BUILDS CHAMPIONS OF LIFE

GIVES CONFIDENCE TO CHILDREN 

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Respects

Sensei

Steve